Can Kolkata Zoo Land Be Used for Commercial Purposes?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has declared that the land of the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata cannot be utilized for commercial activities. This decision follows allegations of illegal sales by the West Bengal government. Discover the implications of this ruling and the ongoing controversy surrounding the zoo.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court has ruled against commercial use of Alipore Zoo land.
- Allegations of illegal land sales have emerged from political opposition.
- Public Interest Litigation was filed challenging the government's decision.
- Controversy continues over reports of missing animals from the zoo.
- The court ruling emphasizes the importance of preserving public assets.
Kolkata, Sep 1 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court ruled on Monday that the land of the renowned Alipore zoological garden in Kolkata cannot be utilized for commercial endeavors at this time.
Justices Sujay Paul and Smita Das De emphasized that the tender notice issued by the West Bengal government on July 23 concerning this matter is to remain inactive until further court directives.
The claim that the West Bengal government was unlawfully attempting to sell the Alipore Zoo land was initially raised by the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly and prominent BJP figure, Suvendu Adhikari.
He charged that there was an effort to sell 50 kothas of land in this prime urban location for a mere Rs 1,000 crore.
In January 2024, the West Bengal BJP unit organized a protest march from Rabindra Sadan to the zoo in response to this issue.
The state government had issued a tender with the goal of utilizing adjacent land, which includes an aquarium, auditorium, animal hospital, and staff quarters, for commercial activities.
A notice to that effect was also released.
Simultaneously, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was submitted to the division bench of Justice Paul and Justice Das De, contesting this decision.
In response to the PIL, the court ruled on Monday that the land of the zoological garden at Alipore cannot be employed for commercial purposes at this time and clarified that the previous tender notice from the West Bengal government is to remain inactive until further orders.
Recently, the Alipore Zoo has also faced scrutiny over allegations regarding missing animals.
Reports indicate that approximately 321 animals vanished from the Alipore Zoo overnight.
Point of View
It’s vital to remain objective. The Calcutta High Court's ruling reflects a commitment to protecting public assets and maintaining the integrity of our cultural landmarks. This decision underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government actions, ensuring that such iconic sites are preserved for public enjoyment.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Calcutta High Court rule about the Alipore Zoo land?
The Calcutta High Court ruled that the land of the Alipore Zoo cannot be used for commercial purposes at this time.
Who raised allegations about the land sale?
The allegations were raised by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.
What was the government's intention for the zoo-adjacent land?
The West Bengal government intended to use the land, which includes an aquarium and auditorium, for commercial activities.
How many animals reportedly went missing from the zoo?
Reports suggest that around 321 animals disappeared from the Alipore Zoo overnight.
What is the current status of the tender issued by the government?
The tender issued by the West Bengal government is to remain inactive until further court orders.
